USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers > Part 111
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While he does not belong to any particular sect. Mr. Smith believes in all moral influences, and fol- lows out in his life the precepts he learned in early years. His wife is a member of the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican and has been active in his party because he thoroughly believes in its principles, but he is no seeker for office.
GEORGE BIR HERSHEY, M. D. Among the prominent and representative citizens of Gap, Pa., is Dr. George Bair Hershey, who is well known in this locality both as a physician and as an edu- cator. He was born Nov. 28, 1872, in Buyerstown, Lancaster county, son of Josiah and Mary Ann ( Her- shey ) Hershey, of Lancaster county.
Dr. Hershey was reared on the farm and re- mained with his parents until he was seventeen years old. His primary education was obtained in the com- mon schools, and this was supplemented with one session in Parkesburg Academy and one year of student life. 1800-1891, in the Millersville State Normal School. The young man then engaged in teaching, first in Bareville, where he continued one year. and then went to New Milltown, where he : taught two years, going thence to Harmony School, at Gap. where, after one year of teaching he organ- ized the Gap Academy. This institution became very popular with Dr. Hershey as principal. and Ralphi Yoder, vice-principal. The first year enrolled sixty- seven pupils, and more applied for admission who could not be accommodated. After teaching through
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the first two sessions at the Academy, in 1895-1896, Dr. Hershey entered upon the study of medicine, living on the farm with his parents a part of the time. For six months he read under the supervision of Dr. G. W. H. Frew, of Paradise township, and further prepared for entrance to the University of Pennsyl- vania where he remained four terms, graduating in 1900. During the summer of 1899 Dr. Herslicy took a special course of surgical training under the per- sonal supervision of Dr. Joseph Spellissy, at the Pennsylvania Hospital, in Philadelphia. While at college he defrayed his expenses in part by getting out a set of questions on dissecting-room anatomy ; by assisting the publisher in the preparation of a manual of Therapeutics, and one on special surgery; and by private tutoring. On Aug. 7th, following his graduation, he located for practice in Gap where he has remained. Dr. Hershey has shown skill and a high order of ability in his profession, and he num- bers among his patients many of the leading families of this locality. He has been prominent in Sunday school work, and for one year was local secretary of the Lancaster County Sunday School, and in 1894 was president of the Gap Local Institute. Dr. Hershey belongs to the Old Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Republican and is one of the progres- sive and public-spirited citizens of Gap.
On Oct. 31. 1900, in Philadelphia, Dr. Hershey was married by Rev. Chas. Mervine, to Miss Anna M. Portner, born in Gap, Pa., daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Simpson) Portner, the former of whom was born in New York City, son of Henry N. and Marie ( Haenchen) Portner. Henry N. Port- ner was born in Bavaria, Germany, and was a son of Conrad Portner. a native of Switzerland, who died in Bavaria. Henry N. Portner died in Phila- delphia, in IS70, at the age of forty-five years, and was buried in that city. In 1830, in Zweibruccken. Germany, Henry N. Portner was married to Marie Haenchen. and in 1832 they came to America where Mr. Portner followed the cabinet-making trade in New York City for five years. In 1837 he removed to Philadelphia. He and wife were members of the German Reformed Church. Their children were: Edward. the father of Mirs. Hershey ; and Miss Caro- line. of Salisbury township.
In 1873 Edward Portner came with his family to Lancaster county and settled on a farm in Salisbury township. He was an artist by profession, and had for a considerable period been proprietor of a dry- goods store, but when his health failed he removed to the country in the hope that the fresh air atid change of occupation would enable him to regain it. However. he died in 1883, at the age of fifty years. and was interred in Bellevue cemetery. In 1870. in Philadelphia. Edward Portner was married to Miss Elizabeth Simpson, who still survives and resides on the farm in Salisbury township. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Portner consisted of these well-known members: Marie, who married toward M. Scott. · a farmer near Sadsburyville, Chester Co., Pa. ; Et-
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
ward j., who is a chemist in Philadelphia ; Henry, who is a druggist in Gap: Anna M., the wife of Dr. Hershey: William, who is in the life insurance business in Philadelphia ; and Miss Lena, at home.
Dr. and Mrs. Hershey have one child, Margaret Elizabeth, born Jan. 15, 1902.
DAVID L. GARBER, one of the substantial farmers of East Donegal township, was born in this township Aug. 31. 1855, a son of Benjamin and Fianna (I.andis) Garber.
Benjamin Garber for Gerber, as he chose to spell the name) was born in East Donegal township July 11, 1818, and died July 18, 1900, his burial being in Kraybill cemetery. His occupation through life was that of a farmer, and he was a man who took much interest in the affairs of the township, serving most efficiently as supervisor. For twenty-eight years prior to his death, he lived a retired life. He mar- ried Fianna Landis, who was born in Manheim town- ship, and who died in October, 1803. Both of these estimable people were members of the Kravbill Church, near which they now rest. The children born to Benjamin and wife were: Israel, Jacob and Barbara, who all died young; Anna, who inarried Josephi L. Risser, of Mt. Joy township : Benjamin L., a retired farmer on the old homestead in East Don- egal township; Fianna, who married Clement K. Brubaker; and David L., of this biography.
The paternal grandparents of David L. Garber were Jacob and Barbara ( Miller) Garber, both of whom died on the old farm on which Benjamin now resides. Their children were: Benjamin ; Andrew : Barbara, who married John Nissley; Elizabeth, who married Isaac Hershey. All of them have passed away. The maternal grandparents were Benjamin and Anna (Long) Landis, of Lancaster county, and the former was a farmer and miller in Manheim townshin, where both he and his wife died, having lived Christian lives, as members of the Old Men- nonite Church. Their children were: Fianna. de- ceased; Elizabeth, the widow of John Hess, of Manor township : Maria, deceased, the wife of Levi Getz ; Fanny, who married Samuel Hess, deceased : Nancy, who married Samuel Hershey, and resides near Strasburg : Amelia, who married Michael Nolt. deceased : Benjamin, a retired farmer of Lancaster ; Henry and Isaac, deceasedi : Israel, unmarried, an inventor, living retired in Chicago, Ill. ; and Daniel. deceased, who was a farmer of Manheim township.
David L. Garber remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age, employed in agricultural pursuits, and he then took charge of his present farm, which then consisted of 132 acres, to which he has added until now he has under culti- vation 154 acres, one of the best farms in this local- itv. Here Mr. Garber has lived a quiet, industrious life, has voted the Republican ticket and taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs, and has been one of the most highly regarded members of the Mennonite Church.
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In October, 18;9, Mr. Garber was married to Emma S. Hershey, and two sons have been born to them, Benjamin F. and I. Hoffman. The birth of Mrs. Garber occurred in West Hempfield township, Sept. 26, 1855. Her parents were 1. Hoffman and Barbara ( Brenneman) Hershey, natives of West Hempfield and of Manor townships. respectively. For many years Mr. Hershey was one of the most prominent farmers of West Hempfield township, and accumulated substance : in middle fife he was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, of Man- heim, and became its cashier, so continuing until his health failed and he retired from business cares. He survived for twenty years. beloved and estcemed by all. His interest in educational matters was marked, and he served as school director and did much for his locality. His lamented death occurred in West Hempfield township, near Salunga, April 11, 1896, and his remains were reverently interre 1 in the cem- etery in Landisville. His presence was missed from the Mennonite Church, where his place was seldom vacant. The mother, who was born Nov. 3, 1824, resides on the old home place.
The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Hershey num- bered ten children: Frances, who married Harry MI. Maver, surveyor and conveyancer. and also far- mer, of Rohrerstown; Rebecca A., who married Hebron Herr, a retired farmer of Lancaster : Simon A., who resides with his mother ; Amos B., who mar- ried Rebecca Bones, and died in 18o7; Emma S .; Mary E., who married Frank M. Herr, a retired farmer and Mennonite preacher, of West Lampeter township: Martha J .. who married Cyrus G. Fry, a farmer of Rapho township : Barbara A .. deceased, who married Levi K. Brubaker, a retired farmer of Lititz ; J. Hoffman, who died in 1886 ; and Abraham, who died young.
ENOS B. WEAVER. One of the prominent general farmers and truckers of Upper Leacock township is Enos B. Weaver, who is a native of East Lampeter township, where he was born Dec. 13, 1865, a son of Aaron and Susannah (Houser) Weaver, natives of West Lampeter township.
Aaron Weaver remained in West Lampeter where he was born in 1840, until in the spring of 1864, when he moved to East Lampeter. where he remained until the death of his wife, Sept. 9, 1895, at the age of fifty-four. He then retired and moved to Lancaster. Both he and his wife were long con- nected with the Mennonite Church. The children born to them were: Enos B., of this sketch ; Jacob, who conducts a greenhouse on the old homestead ; Lizzie, who married Ephraim H. Stoner, a farmer of Strasburg township; Harry. a farmer of East Lampeter township: Fanny, who married Christ M. Brubaker, a farmer of Fast Lampeter; Ida, who married Amos R. Landis, of East Lampeter ; Anna, who resides with the above named sister : Mary, who resides with her sister. Mrs. Brubaker; and Ella, who lives with her sister, Mrs. Stoner.
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
After he reached his majority our subject, Enos B. Weaver, went to Oregon. Pa., where he operated a greenhouse, raising flowers and early vegetables for the market, remaining there for two years and then coming to his present location in the spring of 1901. While in Oregon our subject met the esti- mable and intelligent lady who, in May, 1899, became his wife-Miss Susan S. Shank-and to this union one daughter. Mary S., has been born. Mrs. Weaver was born in Pequea township, this county, a daugh- ter of Jacob R. and Mary S. (Stoner) Shank, the former of whom was born in 1828, and the latter in 1832. Mr. Shank is a retired farmer and both he and wife belong to the Mennonite Church. Their children were: Jacob S., on the oid homestead : Mary S., deceased; John S., a hardware clerk in Lancaster : Susan S., the wife of Mr. Weaver. The paternal grandfather was John Shank, of Lancaster county, who was thrice married; the grandmother of Mrs. Weaver was, in her maidenhood, Miss Rush.
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Mrs. Weaver began teaching school at the age of seventeen, being so engaged at the time of her marriage : she is a lady of taste, education and re- finement. In politics Mir. Weaver is an ardent Ke- publican, and both he and wife are valued members of the Mennonite Church, and highly respected through the neighborhood.
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WALTER BAER WEIDLER, M. D., is now located at No. 128 North Duke street. Lancaster, in the offices that for forty-three years were occupied by the late Dr. J. Aug. Ehler.
In the paternal line Dr. Weidler comes from a very old Lancaster county family, his grandfather, Henry Weidler, having been a farmer of Mechanics- burg.
Prof. H. C. Weidiler, son of Henry, is the widely known and popular educator, who has graduated so many hundreds from his business college. He mar- ried Mary Ann Baer, daughter of William Baer, a farmer of Intercourse, and this union was blessed with the following named children: Alice, wife of Clarence A. Krouse, general manager of the Ameri- can Fire Insurance Company, Philadelphia : Milton Baer, a clerk in New York City ; and Dr. Walter B., of Lancaster.
Mrs. Mary Ann ( Baer) Weidler is descended from Conrad Rutter, who went to England from Prussia in 1683, and then emigrated to America, making the voyage to this country in company with Francis Daniel Pastorius, in the ship "America," which landed at Philadelphia Aug. 20. 1683. He was of the original thirteen families who laid out Germantown on Oct. 12, 1683. After some time in Germantown Conrad Rutter located in what is now known as Pittston, where he remained until, in 1716, he came to this county, settling in Leacock. He took up 588 acres of land on a grant from William Penn, and this land was afterward divided among his three sons, one of whoin, Joseph, was Dr. Weidler's great- great-grandfather, and whose eldest son, Henry,
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married Elizabeth Schultze. first cousin of Gov. Schultze, of Pennsylvania. As early as 1720 Con- rad Rutter helped found the first Episcopal Church in the eastern part of Lancaster county ; and Joseph Rutter, from whom Dr. Weidler is descended, built one of the first schoolhouses in Leacock township.
Walter Baer Weidler. M. D., was born in Me- chanicsburg Oct. 14, 1873, and after attending the public schools of his district came to Lancaster, and was graduated from his father's business college. where. for two years after graduation, he was as- sistant instructor. In October, 1894. he began the study of medicine, in the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which he was graduated in June. 1898. After spending eight months as house surgeon in the Philadelphia Home for the Incurables, and one and one-half years as house surgeon in the Wills Eve Hospital, Philadelphia, Dr. Weidler went to Europe. where he took up the special study of Eye, Ear. Nose and Threat, pursuing his studies for six months in Vienna, two months in Berlin, and four months in London, returning to his old home in Lancaster on July 9, 1901.
B. FRANK HEISE. general farmer and pro- prietor of Heise's Locust Grove Dairy, a farm com- prising 132 acres and located in West Hempfield township one mile east of Columbia. was born on this tract Feb. 17, 1845. a son of Harry and Hannalı ( Heidler ) Heise.
Harry Heise was born on the present homestead, and Mirs. Hannah Heise was born in Marietta, in the same township. The father died in February. 1862. when fifty-eight years old, and the mother died in Columbia, aged sixty-five years, in December, 1877, having resided in that city for seven years prior to her death, and in that city the remains of both parents rest side by side. To Harry and Han- nah ( Heidler ) Heise were born seven children. viz. : Harry, who was chief bargess of Columbia, and was killed on the electric railway Aug. 9. 1896 : Elizabeth. wife of Jonas H. Nolt, a farmer of West Hempfield1 township ; William, who died young: D. Frank. whose name opens this article : Anna M .. who died when fourteen years old : Salinda H., widow of John Wilmot, of Washington, D. C. ; and Sally, deceased ; wife of Jacob P. Agnew.
B. Frank Heise lived until 1854 on that part of the home farm which he at present occupies. and the !! moved with his parents to another part of the prem- ises, where he remained until 1867, and then returned to his present home. On Dec. 5, 1867, he was married in Reading. Pa., to Miss Fanny Swarr. and to them have been born four children, viz: Emma, wife of William F. Yohn, of West Hempfield township : Harry, at home : Edward, a traveling salesman, who was suffocated in the disaster at the Park Avenue Hotel. New York, Feb. 21. 1902, when twenty-six years old : and Ella, wife of Howard Smoker, a drug- gist of Mt. Jov.
Mrs. Fanny (Swarr) Heise was born in East
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
Hempfield township, a daughter of John and Susan (Frick) Swarr, the former of whom was a school director in East Hempfield, was a farmer by voca- tion, and for many years prior to his death led a re- tired life. He died in the Mennonite faith, and his remains were interred in East Petersburg. To John and Susan Swarr were born nine children, namely : Aaron, deceased : Benjamin, a retired farmer of East Hempfield township: Eliza, widow of Henry Hershey, of the same township : Mary A .. of Landis- ville ; Susan, widow of Christian Hershey, also of Landisville : Mattie, wife of Daniel Forrev. a farmer at Millersville : Sarah, who married H. G. Bowers. of East Hempfield township ; Barbara, wife of Christ Miller, a retired hotel man, of Neffsville ; and Fanny, Mrs. Heise.
B. Frank Heise is one of the most progressive, as well as one of the most prominent and popular men of his township. In politics a Republican, he has been auditor of his township for the past seven years, and a school director for six years: was a director of the Columbia Wagon Works for several years ; and in IOOI was elected a director of the Cen- tral National Bank, of Columbia. As a farmer he has but few equals in the county. Since 1865 the grove on the farm, known as Heise's pienie grounds, has been used as pleasure grounds, having been pre- pared for that purpose by Mir. Heise, who has erected pavilions, etc., on the premises. The grounds are known all over this part of Lancaster county as the popular resort of the section. Fraternally Mr. Heise is a Freemason, and a Heptasoph, and socially he and his family stand high in the esteem of the con- munity, in which they have so long lived.
JACOB DENLINGER, an old and prominent farmer of Leacock township, Lancaster county, where he is highly respected and esteemed for his many manly and honorable qualities, was born in Paradise township. Oct. 30. 1849. a son of John and Mary (Brubaker) Denlinger, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county.
John Denlinger died in Paradise township. Feb. 5. 1802, at the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and twenty-two days: his widow passed to her rest Sept. 12. 1803. at the age of seventy-seven years, nine months and eighteen days. John Den- linger was a man of considerable prominence in his active days, and held public position. being both school director and supervisor. The remains of both him and his wife rest in the cemetery connected with the Hershey Church in Salisbury township. They were the parents of the following children : Barbara had her home in Paradise township until her death, June 19. 1902, when she was aged sixty-six years, one month and twenty-five days : Samuel B. is a re- tired farmer in Paradise townshin: Lizzie is the widow of Elias Leaman, and resides in Leacock township : Elias is a resident of Salisbury township : Simon married Anna M. Leaman, since deceased, and resides in Leacock township : Mary married H.
E. Musser : Jacob is a farmer of Leacock township ; Esaias is a farmer of Paradise township ; John is liv- ing retired in Paradise township, and is unmarried ; Tobias married Lizzie Eby, and died in 1898, at the age of forty-three ; Christie Ann is the wife of Henry Hershey; and Evaline married .\. H. Hostetter, an implement merchant of Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Denlinger was married Nov. 24. 1874, in Gap, Pa., to Susannah Eby, by whom he has had the following children : Henry E., who was married Nov. 12, 1902, to. Amy Groff, of Upper Leacock township : Lizzie M. : John M .; Jacob P .; Willis B .; Tobias S.
Mrs. Jacob Denlinger was born in Salisbury township. Nov. 12. 1852. a daughter of Peter and Magdalina ( Musser) Eby. born in Salisbury and Earl townships, respectively. Her father, who is a farmer in Salisbury township, was born in 1824, a son of Henry and Susannah (Sensenig) Eby, of Lancaster county. Her mother, who was a daughter of Henry and Auna ( Martin) Musser, of Lancas- ter county, died in 1864. at the age of thirty-three. They were both members of the Mennonite Church, and were the parents of the following family : Menna S. died at the age of eighteen years : Anna died when three years old : John is a farmer in Earl township: Elizabeth is the widow of Tobias Denlinger : Mag- delina married Israel Hershey, of Paradise town- ship ; and Mary married Samuel Sechrist, a farmer in East Lampeter township.
Jacob Denlinger remained with his parents until his marriage, when he settled on a farm in East Hempfield township, which he was engaged in culti- vating some six years. At the end of that period he removed to his present home place, which comprises some ninety acres, in a fine state of tillage. He also owns another farm. and is well off. Both he and his wife belong to the Mennonite Church, of which he is a trustee at the present time. In politics he is a Republican, and holds an enviable place in the esti- mation of his neighbors, who know him well. and speak highly of his honest character, industrious habits, and genial disposition.
DANIEL D. GRAUI .. one of the best known citizens of the town of Penryn, Pa .. traces his an- cestry back to Germany, his great-grandfather hav- ing come to America from that country.
John Graul, his grandfather, was born in Berks county, and spent his whole life there, for many years working as a laborer in the Reading car repair shops. By trade he was an excellent brickmaker. His mar- riage was to Anna Prince. and their children, five sons and five daughters, were: Daniel, in the brick business: William, also engaged in the brick busi- ness : Henry, a hatter. in Reading : Frederick, a car- penter in car shops, who became the father of Daniel D .: John. a laborer: Emma. the wife of William Nachtrich : Hettie. the wife of Geat Weidner : Susan. the wife of William Achenbach : Catherine, who died single : and Caroline, who married William Gundry.
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
Frederick Graul, son of john, was born in Berks county, in 1839. In early life he learned the car- penter tra le and followed this until his death. [an. 26, 1866. His marriage was to Sophia Greider, and they had a family of four children: Harry, who is associated with Daniel D., in his work ; Joseph, who is a boss baker, and is employed at the State Asylum at Wernersville, Berks Co., Pa. : Grant L., who is a cigarmaker of Reading ; and Daniel, of this sketch.
Daniel D. Graul was born in Reading, Pa .. Jan. I8, 1862, and was left without a father's care at the early age of five years. Until he was ten years old he went to school, and then went to work in an en- deavor to add to the family resources, in the Jack- sons Rope Works, at Reading, where he remained until his mother moved with her little family to Lititz, Lancaster county. Here the ambitious and in- dustrious lad soon obtained employment in the Lititz brickyard where he remained for four years, after this going to learn the baker's trade with William Bollinger, remaining for four years, thoroughly learning this business also. For six years Mr. Graul worked as a journeyman, and in 1887 started into business for himself at Penryn, and so well has he succeeded that he has remained ever since in this pleasant village. By close and careful attention to his business, he has built up a large and constantly increasing trade. his wares taking the place of others previously put upon the market, and relieving many of the cares of the modern housewife.
Mr. Graul was married to Miss Emma Eaby, a daughter of Henry and Anna Eaby. Fraternally he is connected with the I. O. O. F., No. 657, of Man- heim, and the K. of P., No. 253, of Lititz. Mr. Graul is one of the progressive young business men of this neighborhood, and has won his place in the business world by his own etforts, possessing now not only a fine patronage in his chosen line, but also the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BARNETT, of Fairfield Village Green, is a most worthy citizen of Drumore township, where he carries on a successful blacksmith business. He was born in this township July 6, 1857. a son of James and Emily ( Ritchie) Barnett, also natives of this township, and of Scotch- Irish ancestry.
James Barnett, the father. reared twelve children. but only six of these grew to maturity: Joseph, a blacksmith of Chestnut Level, married Harriet Shank : James, a railroad conductor, married Mar- garet Brown. and lives in Renova, Clinton Co., Pa .; Charles, a resident of Conowingo, Md .; Mary, the wife of Clark Bishop, of Chestnut Level ; Louisa. of Drumore township : and Benjamin Franklin, of this sketch. James Barnett was born in 1820 and spent his life as a farmer, was prominent in the Methodist Church, and was a Democrat in his political belief. His widow still survives, living in Centerville, Pa., in her seventy-sixth year.
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